The Most Common Dentist Procedures – Are Dental Implants One? A “dentist procedure” covers any treatment your dentist performs to prevent, fix, or improve teeth and gums. This post lists the most common procedures, explains what they treat, what to expect, and answers whether dental implants count as a common option. Read on to learn routine care, restorative steps, cosmetic and surgical work, and where implants fit in as a treatment choice.
What counts as a common dentist procedure
Common vs. specialized depends on how often a procedure is done, how simple it is, and whether it needs follow-up care. A dentist procedure in Panhandle, TX is “common” when most patients will need it at some point—like cleanings or fillings. Specialized care (complex implants, full-mouth rehab) happens less often and often requires extra training or technology.
Routine preventive procedures
Dental cleanings and exams
Cleanings and exams are the backbone of dental care. Most people get them every six months. Expect plaque removal, gum checks, and a brief conversation about home care. These visits prevent decay and catch problems early.
Dental X-rays and imaging
X-rays spot cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth. Bitewings and panoramic X-rays are common. 3D CBCT scans are used when a deeper view is needed for implants or complex cases. Imaging is often part of a routine exam.
Restorative procedures patients often get
Fillings
Fillings repair small to medium cavities. Materials include composite (tooth-colored) and amalgam. The visit is usually quick with local anesthetic and minimal recovery.
Root canals
Root canal treatment saves a tooth with infected pulp. It relieves pain and has high success rates. Many myths say root canals are painful, but modern care is usually comfortable and effective.
Crowns and bridges
Crowns restore badly damaged teeth; bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to nearby teeth. Treatment involves preparing the tooth, impressions or scans, and placing a custom restoration.
Cosmetic and minor surgical procedures
Teeth whitening and veneers
Whitening and veneers improve appearance. Whitening is noninvasive and quick. Veneers are thin shells bonded to teeth for lasting cosmetic change. These are common for patients seeking better smiles.
Extractions and minor oral surgery
Extractions remove damaged or problematic teeth, including wisdom teeth. Minor oral surgery may include simple gum procedures. Recovery ranges from a day or two to a week, depending on complexity.
Are dental implants a common dentist procedure?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed into the jaw to support crowns or dentures. They are increasingly common but remain more complex than fillings or cleanings. In places like Panhandle, TX, a dentist procedure involving implants is offered more often today, yet implants require surgery, specialized planning, and more cost and healing time than routine care.
How dentists determine if an implant is right for you
Dentists check bone health, medical history, oral hygiene, and smoking status. Typical steps include a clinical exam, CBCT imaging, and a treatment plan. Not every patient is an immediate candidate; grafting or other prep may be required.
What to expect during implant treatment
Timeline: consultation → imaging → surgical placement → healing (osseointegration, a few months) → final restoration. Pain is usually managed with local anesthetic, oral meds, or IV sedation for comfort. Recovery varies but most return to normal activity in days, with full integration over months.
Choosing the right provider for implant care
Experience and technology matter for implant success. Dr. Omar Harmouche, DMD, leads HAR Dental Group and brings advanced implant training, IV sedation, and tools like CBCT, X-Nav guided surgery, Primescan scanners, and in-house 3D printing. These resources help plan treatment precisely and improve comfort and outcomes.
Quick takeaways
– Most common dentist procedures: cleanings, X-rays, fillings, crowns, and extractions. – Cosmetic care like whitening and veneers is also frequent. – Dental implants are common compared to years past but are more complex than routine treatments. – If considering implants, schedule an evaluation, ask about CBCT imaging and sedation, and choose a provider with implant experience.
